Building future leaders with WIBF Glasgow

On 26 March, students and early career professionals from universities across Scotland came together in Glasgow for WIBF’s Building Future Leaders event at Barclays Eagle Labs for an evening designed to open doors, share honest experiences, and spark ambition for the next generation of women in finance.

With over 50 attendees in the room, the energy was clear from the outset. This wasn’t just a panel discussion – it was a space for curiosity, connection and real conversation about what a career in financial services can look like today.

The evening started with an introduction from Kirsty Lieberthal, WIBF Chair, Glasgow.

At the heart of the evening was a wide-ranging and candid panel discussion, expertly hosted by Ivanna Dueñas-Garcia. The panel, including Nicola Boal, WWT, Lorna McAndie, WIBF Scotland Board and Rachel Kennedy, WIBF chair, Edinburgh brought together voices at different stages of their careers, offering a powerful mix of perspectives, from those just starting out to those with years of industry experience behind them.

One of the most striking themes to emerge was the idea that careers are rarely linear. Panelists spoke openly about setbacks, unexpected turns and “re-routes” along the way. As one speaker reflected, it’s not about the failures – it’s about how you respond to them. The analogy of a sat nav recalculating the route resonated strongly: careers in finance, like journeys, don’t always follow the original plan, but they can still lead somewhere meaningful.

This honesty set the tone for the evening. Attendees heard about navigating rejection, changing direction, and building confidence over time, all while balancing studies, part-time work and the pressure of planning for the future. It was a reminder that there is no single “right” path into the industry, and that resilience, adaptability and curiosity are just as important as qualifications.

Mentorship was another key focus throughout the discussion. Rather than being positioned as something formal or intimidating, it was reframed as something far more accessible. Several panelists and speakers highlighted that some of the most valuable guidance they’ve received has come from informal conversations. They said that that they experienced moments of advice, encouragement or perspective from people within their networks who may not even realise the impact they’ve had.

For many in the room, this was a shift in thinking. Mentorship doesn’t have to be structured or perfect to be meaningful. It can be as simple as asking a question, starting a conversation, or staying open to learning from those around you. That message clearly resonated, particularly with students at the very start of their careers.

The importance of networks and community also came through strongly. Events like this are not just about listening,  they are also about building connections. Throughout the evening, students had the opportunity to speak directly with panelists and each other, creating a sense of shared ambition and mutual support.

For some attendees, it was their first WIBF event, and in many cases their first step outside their comfort zone. Several spoke about arriving feeling unsure but leaving with a renewed sense of confidence and excitement about their future. Hearing directly from women working in the industry helped to demystify career paths and made the possibilities feel more tangible.

The event also highlighted the strength and opportunity within Scotland’s financial services sector. From major investment in hubs like Barclays Eagle Labs to the connectivity across cities and universities, the panel explored why Scotland is an exciting place to build a career in finance. The sense of regional collaboration, with attendees joining from across Scotland, reinforced the idea that the future of the industry is not only growing but increasingly connected.

A particularly encouraging takeaway was the ambition and curiosity shown by those in the room. The audience questions were thoughtful, engaged and forward-looking, covering everything from career entry points to progression, mentoring and industry trends. It was clear that the next generation is not only motivated but actively seeking to understand how to navigate and shape their careers.

Beyond the panel, the networking element of the evening played a crucial role. Conversations continued well after the discussion ended, with attendees sharing experiences, exchanging advice and building relationships that will extend beyond the event itself.

Events like Building Future Leaders are a core part of WIBF’s commitment to supporting students and early career professionals. Through initiatives such as Student Membership and the Future Leaders Network, WIBF provides access to mentoring, events and a wider professional community designed to support women at every stage of their journey.

What stood out most from the evening was the sense of possibility. Whether attendees arrived with a clear plan or simply curiosity about the industry, they left with greater clarity, stronger connections and a deeper understanding of what a career in finance could look like for them.

As one attendee reflected, stepping outside their comfort zone to attend the event was more than worth it – it left them feeling more ambitious and inspired than ever before.

With continued collaboration between WIBF, universities and industry partners, events like this are helping to build a more inclusive, informed and confident pipeline of future talent.

And if the energy in the room was anything to go by, the future of financial services in Scotland is in very capable hands.

If you are interested in WIBF membership, please visit our membership page. You will see several options, including student membership for undergraduates for only £10 a year. If you are a member, you can join our Future Leader Network here.